The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1887-10-12
record Of Gov, McEnery.s administration has

record Of Gov. MeEnerys administration has
been equally creditable.
The situation at the outset of his admins
,trati2n was set forth in big first message:
the finances of the State have been un-
settled. Doubt, distrust and litigation have
| brought the credit of the State to such a
grade that every good citizen is anxious for
a restoration of her credit and honor. 1t
has been estimated by competent men that
the unfortunate debt lmbrogiio has been
more than the entire debt of the State"
The creditors had refused to accept the
proposed settlement and large sums of money
! 1t was ted up by lnjunc!lons through Federal
courts.
A petition was received by the Governor,
signed by large number of bondholders
| and ''others deeply interested in the welfare
of the State,'' requesting Gov. McEnery to
recommend to the General Assembly and to
the people a final settlement on the basis of
per cent interest per annum from Jan. l,
1885.
This petition was supplemented by an ear
nest prayer Of merchants and citizens to the
| General Assembly, embracing the signatures
Of nearly all the business men OF New Or
leans.
Gov. McEnery cordially Endorsed this meas
ure to the General Assembly, saying:
IF this proposition is received favorably
there will be large amount OF capital seek
ing investment here. Immigration, which
has been practically excluded, will come, as
capital and immigration flow in the same
channels. Individual credit is not unreason-
who seek for the safety of their investments
II respectfully recommend the settlen ent
| proposed, and that an amendment to the
Constitution carrying 1t out be submitted to
| the people"
The results predicted have been realized.
Litigation ceased, confidence was restored at
| home and abroad creditors accepted the set
tIement, our consols were listed on the Elk
changes of New York and London at the re-
| duced rate OF interest, and the credit Of the
State steadily enhanced until the opening Of
this campaign, when the bonds were quoted
as high as "a cents in New York The fiscal
affairs OF the State were placed with two OF
the strongest banks in New Orleans. Ivalues
| III the senseless agitation OF the debt ques.
ton by the opponents of Gov. McEnery in
their search for political capital.
For 1877 and 1878, on an assessment OF
saysl77, 900, 900, there VAS collected about
663s per cent Of the taxes.
| In 1885 and 1856. on an assessment OF
say $213, 600, 900, there is being collected
over 80 per cent OF the tax, and in two
thirds of the parishes OF the State collections
exceed 95 per cent of the corrected rolls.
tax, which became enforceable Dec: 81, paid
into the State treasury during the first four
| months of 1887, was greater than the total
percentage OF the tax OF 1877 or 1878 col
The assessment for the year 1886 was
SER, 600, 900, and that for 1887 will, from
present reports, reach 1919, 900, 900.
In yindication OF the opinion that large
amount Of capital would seek Investment
and immigration come. we may point to the
| sales Of over 1000, 900 acres OF public
lands and large sales Of private lands q. en-
HANGED values, and to the commencement of
! immigration to various sections OF Louisiana.
For many years the piactlce OF Leglsla-
possible revenues has been the chief cause OF
| disordered finances. Gov McEnery earnest
| ly sought to impress upon each General AS.
sembly the necessity Of confirming all appro-
| 1886, by his representation, and by the an
nouncement that he would veto all bills in
excess of probable revenue, the creation OF
| floating debt was stopped.
All warrants for the constitutional officers
and general expenses Of the State govern
| ment are paid in cash for the year 1887 as
| issued, and 80 henlthful was the condition of
the general fund for this year that no diff
Guilty was experienced in arranging for cash
| advances of rs per cent on tho warrants OF
| public lnstltuuons.
The warrants of these institutions from
Jan. L. 1887, are, no longer sold on the mar
ket, and cannot be bought at ninety-tiye cents
on the dollar.
Gov. McEnGrys fr1enQ6 90 not claim that
| all Of the improvements and progress made
in this State during the past six years is due
solely to him or his administration.
His friends claim that he has been an ear
nest. energetic, practical worker in behalf
Of the agricultural, industrial and financial
interests Of the State, with bold, broad and
comprehensive views and plans touching
every material question affecting the people,
and has thus promoted the public welfare.
| He has been unremitting in. his devotion to
the duties Of his Office, and when the laws
were silent or inadequate to the necessities Of
his people he has been ready, not only with
proper remedies, but has insistently i'm:
pressed his views upon the Legislature and
public opinion until relief has been found.
His life and his services are befole the pub
lie for calm and thoughtful investigation OF
| discussion.
His hopes, ambitions and affections are in.
separately linked with the progress and deyel
opment of his State and the supremacy OF
the Democratic party.
His friends feel that he has won the righ
to calm and impartial examination OF hif
record, with the claims of other deserving
| Democrats and disclai.n the slightest desire
upon their part, OF his, to detract from the
merits or services of any other citizen Of the
State